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Theorising Social Work Practice unit (HGW302)

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Unit year 2027

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Location: Cradle Coast, Hobart, Launceston

Restricted to BSW (Hons).

Introduction

This unit examines how social work theories and knowledge traditions define and inform practice. In it, you build the theoretical component of your professional practice framework: the part you carry into Social Work Practicum 1, where you complete the framework by adding practice skills, procedural and empirical knowledge, and use of self.

You will critique historical and contemporary social work theories, consider how First Nations knowledges challenge and extend social work theories, and evaluate the ethical and value positions that inform professional judgement. You will then construct the theoretical component of your professional practice framework to guide the application of theory to practice. 

We ask you to explore theories for practice, to consider their assumptions and implications, and to draw them together into a theoretical component of your professional practice framework. It is a beginning rather than a conclusion, because your framework will continue to develop across your working life as the contexts of practice change. 

Summary

Unit name Theorising Social Work Practice
Unit code HGW302
Credit points 12.5
College/School Health
Social Work Program
Discipline Social Work
Coordinator Doctor Tina Kostecki
Available as an elective? No
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Advanced

Sustainable Development Goals

The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Cradle Coast Semester 1 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
Hobart Semester 1 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
Launceston Semester 1 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic Students Domestic students
Note

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Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Semester 1 22/02/2027 16/03/2027 19/04/2027 13/06/2027

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2027 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2027 will be available from the 1st October 2026. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

  • Critique social work theories and knowledge traditions to examine their implications for social work practice and professional decision-making.
  • Develop a critical position on how First Nations knowledges challenge and extend social work theories to inform practice.
  • Construct a theoretical component of a professional practice framework to guide the application of theory to practice.
  • Evaluate ethical and value positions underpinning theories of social work practice to inform professional judgement.

Fee Information

Field of Education Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 Domestic Full Fee 4
090501 $2,253.00 $1,057.00 $1,235.00
  • Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
  • HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
  • FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4

1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Prerequisites

200 credit points from the Bachelor of Social Work with Honours

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

You will complete eight hours of online learning activities (including lectures, videos, podcasts, and other activities) and approximately one hour of required reading per week. You will also attend two-hour on-campus tutorials weekly. 

AssessmentCase Study (30%)|Theoretical Journal (30%)|A Theoretical Framework for Practice (40%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

All readings will be available via the Reading List link in¿MyLO, or the unit Reading List on the University Library website. 
 
Recommended

All readings will be available via the Reading List link in¿MyLO, or the unit Reading List on the University Library website. 
 

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